Tag: Estate Records

1805 Petition for Partition of Ulrick Hoover’s Real Estate

Kris Hocker on 23 Dec 2012

Ulrick Hoover Partition Petition

I’ve been researching Ulrich Huber of Adams and York County recently. Here’s a transcript of the petition to partition his York County property put forth by his son Henry Hoover.

To the Honorable the Judges of the Orphans Court of York County
The Petition of Henry Hoover one of the sons of Ulrick Hoover late of Adams County who died Intestate Humbly Showeth—

That the said Ulrick Hoover lately died Intestate leaving a widow named Eve; and John Hoover his eldest son, Susanna intermarried with John Roerbach, Michael, Catherine, Eve, intermarried with George Werley; George, Henry Peter, Elizabeth, Mary, Barbara, David and Sarah; and Eve, Catherine, Elizabeth and [empty space], grandchildren of said Intestate, being children of Intestates daughter Magdalena who was intermarried with Philip Keller, and died in the lifetime of her father; all lawfull issue or their Representatives to Survive him—

That said Intestate died seized in his Demesne as of fee of three messuages one Merchant mill one saw mill and five hundred acres or there abouts of land situate in Manheim Township, York County, adjoining land of Jacob Keller, George Werley, Andreas Miller George Peter & Peter Sabel—

That the widow children and grand children of said intestate hold the said messuages mills and tract of land as tenants in common and undivided—

Your Petitioner, therefore prays your Honors to direct an Inquest, to make division or partition of the Real estate of said Intestate, to and amongst the widow children and children of his deceased daughter Magdalena if the same will admit of such division or partition without prejudice to or spoiling the whole but if the same can not be so divided without prejudice to or spoiling the whole then to divide the same into as many parts or parcels as the same will admit of without prejudice to or spoiling the whole and value the same each parcel separately

But if the same will not admit of division or partition as all without prejudice to or spoiling the whole then to value the whole undivided according to the writ of General Assembly in just case made & provided & your Petitioner shall prey [?]

Henry Huber [signed in German]1

I received a digital version of his estate files from the York County Archives. It included this partition request, a draught of Henry Hoover’s portion and a draught of George Hoover’s portion of the partitioned lands, and Michael Hoover’s refusal to take any of his father’s real estate.

The clerk’s record of this petition also included the following:

Whereupon it is ordered by the Court that the Sheriff of the County of York, in his proper person with twelve good and lawful men of his Bailiwick in the presence of all the parties who shall choose to attend, or the Guardians of such of them as are Minors, they having  respectively had due due [sic] and legal notice thereof Do hold an Inquest on the aforesaid premises and make partition thereof to and amongst the Widow and children and grand children of the said deceased (preference being give to the eldest son)

If the same will admit of such partition without prejudice to or spoiling the whole. Otherwise to value the who undivided According to the Act of Assembly in such case made and provided and that the said Sheriff do make return of said Inquisition as well under his own hand and Seal as the hands and seals of said Inquest to the next Orphans Court after the same shall be held.2

1835 Guardian Petition for Anthony Parsons’ Children

Kris Hocker on 21 Nov 2012

Anthony Parsons Petition for Guardians

After learning that Anthony Parsons might be Sarah (Parsons) Leedy’s father, I decided to see if I could find more information on him. From his tombstone, I know that he died in 1834. So, I decided to see if I could find any estate records for him on FamilySearch.org.

The Pennsylvania Probate records on FamilySearch include will books and Orphans Court books for Perry County. I didn’t find a will for Anthony Parsons, but I did find two references to him in the Orphans Court books.

Anthony Parsons Petition for Guardians

January 1735 Petition for Guardians

The first is a petition on behalf of his minor children.1 In the January 1835 term a petition was made on behalf of George, Anthony, Sarah and William Parsons, the minor children of Anthony Parsons, late of Perry County by the mother Catharine Parsons. The petition states that they were all under the age of 14—therefore born after 1821—and requests the court to appoint a suitable guardian. George Parsons, quite possibly Anthony’s brother, was named as guardian.

The second reference was for the settling of Anthony’s estate. The Register of Perry County presented a copy of George Varns’ administration of Anthony’s estate to the court on 4 April 1836.2 There was a balance of $16.79 due to the administrator.

So far, the details are consistent with Anthony being the father of Sarah (Parsons) Leedy. What more can we find?

When Did George Hocker Jr. Die? Evaluating Conflicting Information

Kris Hocker on 9 Sep 2012

In writing the Hacker-Hocker genealogy, I’ve come to George Hocker Jr., son of Johan Georg and Anna Margaretha (Weidman) Hacker. When Bill Wingeard researched George, he determined that there was a problem with establishing George’s date of death. In this post I will examine the conflicting data he found and what my subsequent research revealed.

According to Wingeard’s research, the article “The Erdenheim Stock Farm” in the History of Hatfield Township stated that George Hocker Jr. died in 1821 and he left no will.1 William Yeakle apparently reported that he saw a notice in the Norristown Herald [100 years later] stating George died on 30 January 1822.2 And Edward W. Hocker wrote that George’s gravestone in St. Michael’s Church cemetery indicates that he died in 1822.3

One might conclude that George Hocker Jr. died in 1822. However, Wingeard reported that he found a deed in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania in which George’s heirs sold a tract called “Denmark” on 7 Apr 1832. According to this deed, Bill wrote, George died on 30 January 1832.4

So, how do you resolve this conflict?

Of these documents, the only contemporary one—meaning it was written at the time of the events it recorded—was the Northumberland County deed. It was written 7 Apr 1832 and recorded 1 June 1832.5 Both the article “The Erdenheim Stock Farm” and the notice in the Norristown Herald were written significantly later. Edward W. Hocker’s Pennsylvania Cemeteries was written in the 1930s, so he was viewing a gravestone that was over 100 years old, and possibly difficult to read.

So, the three reports of an 1821/22 date of death are mistaken, right?

Not so fast.

Is there any other contemporary record that indicates whether George was alive in 1822? I did not find a burial record for George Hocker in St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Volume 2. Nor did I find George Hocker Jr. in the Administrations Index for Montomery County, Pennsylvania.

George’s father died in 1821 in Montgomery County. Is there any mention of George in his estate record?

Even though George Hocker Sr. died intestate, his estate record is quite explicit regarding his children. In a request for partition of George Sr.’s land, the record states:

“…George Hocker died intestate on or about the 16th day of October last leaving no widow but issue five children, to wit Martin, Adam, Christopher, Elizabeth intermarried with Henry Scheetz and Margaret Hocker now living; and three deceased, to wit, George, John and Jacob Hocker…”6

Not only is George Jr. recorded as deceased before this record was made, but one of his heirs—Henry Daub, husband of his daughter Ann—is one of the petitioners on this and subsequent Orphans Court records. Based on George Sr.’s estate record, it is quite clear that George Hocker Jr. died before 16 October 1821.

But what about the 1832 deed? Wingeard stated that it recorded George’s death as 30 Jan 1832. If that’s true, then it can’t apply to this George Hocker Jr., right?

In reading the original document, it is obvious that Bill was correct. It does relate to George Hocker Jr., son of George and Anna Margaretha (Weidman) Hocker. The heirs listed in the deed—widow Mary Hacker, Henry Daub and Ann his wife, Philip Hink and Mary his wife, Jacob Cress and Elizabeth his wife, Jacob Mason and Margaret his wife and Susanna Hergesheimer—match those listed in George Hocker Sr.’s estate files as the heirs of his son George.

However, while the deed states that George is deceased, it does not provide a date of death. Furthermore, it also states that Martin Kindig granted the tract to George Hocker on “the first day of June in the year last aforesaid” [1797], not on 1 Jun 1831 as Bill noted.7 Perhaps he misread that line as “the first day of June in the year last” and concluded it meant 1831.

Based on the information compiled, I can only conclude that George Hocker Jr. died before 16 Oct 1821. I don’t have enough information to posit an exact date, but I do know that 1822 and 1832 are incorrect.

Samuel Hocker

Kris Hocker on 27 Aug 2012

Today, I found the second reference to a Samuel Hocker associated with my Hacker-Hocker family.

The first reference was in St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Germantown, Pennsylvania. A Samuel Hocker, son of Christopher Hacker & wife, aged 16, was confirmed at St. Michael’s on 2 April 1809. A sister, Elizabeth, aged 17, was confirmed on the same day. They were both baptized on 31 March 1809.1

Today’s reference was located in the estate papers of John Hocker from August 1844. One of the debts listed in the petition to sell his real estate is to Samuel Hocker for $500.2 I believe this John Hocker was named the trustee of Catherine (Daub) Hocker on 16 August 1836 during her father’s estate proceedings. If I’m correct, then Catharine (Daub) Hocker would have been the mother of Samuel Hocker and wife of John’s uncle Christopher Hocker.

Another clue in the mystery of Christopher Hocker (ca 1776-?)!

—

John Hocker (1796-1844) was the son of Martin Hocker Sr. (1762-1830) and Ann Mason (1768-1826) of Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

Amanuensis Monday — Partition of Thomas Kinnard’s Estate (Part 2)

Kris Hocker on 9 Jul 2012

Here’s part two of Thomas Kinnard’s estate records. (You can read part one here.)

Partition of Thomas Kinnard's estate diagram

Partition diagram

In pursuance of a writ of Partition or valuation on the Real Estate of Thomas Kinnard late of Burrel [sic] Township Deceased by the Orphan’s Court of the County of Armstrong granted and to R M Kiskaden Esq High Sheriff of the County aforesaid directed.

Surveyed on the 9th day of February AD 1866 In pursuance of the said writ of Partition and to the heirs and legal Representatives of the said Thomas Kinnard Decd the above described trace of land situate in Burrell Township Armstrong County and divided into three parts as above marked A. B. & C viz That part of the tract of land marked A contains fifty seven acres and eleven perches that part marked B contains seventy six acres and twenty nine perches that part of the diagram marked C Contains thirty six acres and twenty four perches making in the whole tract of land one hundred and sixty nine acres and sixty four perches strict measure.

Alexander Gordon Artist

 

And now to wit: 5th March AD 1866 Inquisition Confirmed and a Rule on the heirs and legal Representatives of said deceased to appear on the first day of next term (being the 4th day of June 1866) and accept or refuse the premises at the valuation thereof of show cause why the same should not be sold. Personal notice on all parties interested.

By the Court

Rule issued 21 March AD 1866

 

May 2nd 1866 Served on Robert Klingensmith and wife Benjamin F. Kinnard and wife William Mansfield and wife Henry George Kinnard. May 24th on Lebius Kunkle & wife by Reading and copies. so ans. W W Bony Dep Sheriff

April 27th 1866 Served on Henry Darbaker and his wife by reading and copy. so ans R M Kiskaden Sheriff

Served May 2rd 1866 the within notices on Christ Hoover and Caroline Hoover personally by reading so ans. Wm Dunlap Dep Sheriff of Jefferson Co. Pa

 

DECREE

And now to wit: 4th June AD 1866 this cause came on to be [heard?] on return of the Rule upon the heirs to accept of refuse the several allotments according to law and all the heirs being severally called according to law came as follows:  Benjamin F. Kinnard who accepts of allotment “B” William Mansfield who in right of his wife Christena and accepted allotment “A” and Lebuis Kunkle who in right of his wife Sarah accepted of Allotment “C” and the said several parties offered to the Court as sureties as follows: Benjamin F. Kinnard  Wm. Deshong, Wm Mansfield, Samuel Mansfield Senr, and Lebuis Kunkel and Daniel Kunkle . Whereupon the Court do now hear order adjudge and decree as follows to wit: That B.F. Kinnard take and hold to him and his heirs & assigns in fee simple the said allotment “B” and that the said Wm Mansfield in right of his said wife take and hold to them and his heirs & assigns in fee simple the said allotment “A” and that the said Lebius Kunkle in the right of his said wife take and hold to him and his heirs and assigns in fee simple the said allotment “C” And that said acceptants Severally pay to the other heirs their part of the said valuation money and that the costs be paid out of the said valuation money and the Court approve the Sureties as aforesaid

By the Court

Recognizance executed and file

Amanuensis Monday — Partition of Thomas Kinnard’s Estate (Part 1)

Kris Hocker on 2 Jul 2012

Petition of Benjamin F. Kinnard for Partition of the Estate of Thomas Kinnard late of Burrell Township, Deceased

To the Honorable the Judges of the Orphans Court in and for the county of Armstrong in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ~ The Petition of Benjamin F. Kinnard of the said County Respectfully Showeth that he is one of the heirs and legal representatives of Thomas Kinnard late of Burrell township in the said County deceased that that [sic] the said Thomas Kinnard died on or about the month of April 1858 intestate That the said deceased at the time of his death was lawfully seized in his demesne as of fee of an in a certain piece parcel or tract of land Situate partly in Burrell and partly in Plum Creek township in said County adjoining lands of Samuel Kepple and Jacob Young on the north John L Keir on the east Absalom Klingensmith on the south and William Ramally on the west containing about one hundred and fifty acres more or less. And your petitioner further showeth that the said Thomas Kinnard died leaving surviving a widow Mary Kinnard who is since dead and seven children who are still living to wit: Catharine now married to Henry Darbaker, Christianna married to William Mansfield, Caraline [sic] married to Christopher Hoober (in Jefferson County), Sarah married to Lebius Kunkle, Benjamin F. Kinnard (your petitioner) Henry George Kinnard and Sarah Jane married to Robert Klingensmith, all of the said heirs being of full age. Your petitioner further says that the tract of land has never been parted and divided between said heirs according to law. And your petitioner therefore prays your Honors to award an inquest to make Partition of the premises aforesaid to and among the said parties interest in such manner and in such proportions as by said laws, laws [sic] of this Commonwealth is directed if such partition can be made without prejudice to or spoiling the whole but if such partition cannot be made thereof then to value and appraise the same and make return of the proceedings according to law and as in duty bound he will pay &c

Benjamin F. Kinnard

Sworn & subscribed this 4th day of December 1865

P K Bowman, Clerk OC

 

And now to wit: 4th December 1865 Inquest award with personal notice on all parties interested

By the Court

 

5th December 1865 Writ issued

 

Served on Henry Darbaker and Catharine Darbaker his wife, Wm Mansfield and Christena Mansfield his wife Benjamin F Kinnard, Henry G Kinnard Robert Klingensmith, Susan J. Klingensmith his wife, Lebius Kunkle and Sarah Kunkle his wife by reading and copies, and to Christopher Hoober  and Caroline Hoober his wife by the Sheriff of Jefferson County see copy attached, and further Execution of this writ appears [from?] a certain schedule hereto annexed

So answers R M Kiskaden, Shff

 

Inquisition [executed?] and taken at the late dwelling house of Thomas Kinnard late of Burrell Township Deceased on the 9th day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty six before R M Kiskaden Esq High Sherill of the County of Armstrong in the state of Pennsylvania by virtue of a writ of Partition or Valuation to him directed and to this Inquisition annexed by virtue of the Oaths of Jonathan Myers, Abraham Klingensmith, Isaac Smith, Andrew Cover, Isaac Rupert, Absalom Klingensmith, James Wyatt, Andrew Rubbert, and Samuel Kepple twelve free honest and lawful men of his Bailiwick who on their Oaths as aforesaid respectively do say that on the day and year aforesaid they went to and upon the lands and tenements of which Thomas Kinnard in the said writ mentioned died seized and then and there in the presence of the parties therein named and by me warned and find that the same land and tenements with the appurtenances could not be parted and divided to and among all the children of of the deceased without prejudice to and spoiling the whole thereof. And therefore the inquest aforesaid on their solemn oaths aforesaid did then and there further find that the said lands and tenements with the appurtenances will divide into three parts with out prejudice and spoiling the whole viz That part of the said lands and tenements with the appurtenances included and bounded by the following courses and distances viz Beginning at a post thence by land of Absalom Klingensmith north eighty eight degrees west eighty four perches to a post thence by a part of said land in the diagram hereunto annexed marked as “B” north two degrees west one hundred perches to a post thence by land of Jacob Young South Seventy five degrees east one hundred and nineteen perches to a post thence by lands of John S Kier South forty seven degrees east twelve perches to a post thence by lands of Charles Rubbert South thirty degrees west Seventy three perches to the Beginning Containing fifty seven acres and eleven perches situate partly in Burrell & partly in Plum Creek Township and in the diagram hereunto annexed marked with “A” and therefore the inquest aforesaid on their Oaths have valued and appraised the same at fifteen dollars per acre amounting to the sum of $856.03 at and for which sum of money aforesaid upon their oaths aforesaid do value and appraise the same. And all that piece or parcel of Land with the appurtenances contained within the Boundaries following viz. Beginning at a post thence by land of Absalom Klingensmith thence north eighty eight degrees west one hundred and ten perches to a post thence by a part marked C on the diagram hereunto annexed north two degrees west one hundred and twenty four perches to a post thence by lands of Samuel Kepple  and Jacob Young South seventy five degrees east one hundred and fourteen perches to a post, thence by the part marked “A” on the diagram South two degrees east one hundred perches to the Beginning Containing seventy six acres and twenty nine perches (Situate in Burrell Township) and therefore the inquest aforesaid on their oaths aforesaid have valued and appraised the same at the sum of $18.00 per acres amounting to the sum of $1371.26 for which sum as aforesaid the inquest aforesaid upon their oaths aforesaid do value and appraise the same ~ And all that piece or parcel of land with appurtenances contained with the boundaries following viz Beginning at a post thence by lands of Absalom Klingensmith north two west eighty perches to a post, north sixty six west forty six perches to a white oak thence by land of Wm McKenna South Seventy one degrees west twenty one perches to a spruce pine thence by Andrew Rubbert and Wm Ramely north twenty two degrees east one hundred and twenty six perches to a post, thence by lot marked “B” South two degrees east one hundred and twenty four perches to the Beginning Containing thirty six acres and twenty four perches on the diagram marked “C.” And therefore the inquest aforesaid on their oaths aforesaid have valued and appraised the same at $15.00 per acre amounting to the sum of $542.25 the inquest aforesaid do value and appraise the same. In testimony whereof as well the said Sheriff as the inquest aforesaid have to this inquisition, interchangeably set their hands and seals Dated the day and year above written. R M Kiskaden, Sheriff  (seal)

Jonathan Myers (seal)      James Wyatt (seal)

Abraham Klingensmith (seal)  Wm Ramely (seal)

Isaac Smith (seal)     A. J. Remaly (seal)

Andrew Cover (seal)     Wm Deshong (seal)

Isaac Rubbert (seal)     Andrew Rubbert (seal)

Absalom Klingensmith (seal)     Samuel Kepple (seal)

Allotment A Contains 57 acres 11 perches appraised at $15.00 per acre  $856.03

” B ” 76 ” 29 ” ” $18.00 ” ” $1371.26

” C ” 36 ” 24 ” ” $15.00 ” ” $542.25

Amount $2769.54

Partition of Thomas Kinnard's estate diagram

Partition diagram

Read Amanuensis Monday — Partition of Thomas Kinnard’s Estate (Part 2).

Settling Johannes Hocker’s Estate

Kris Hocker on 5 Apr 2012

After Johan “Hans” Adam Hacker died circa 1782 and the settling of his estate, several of his sons—Johannes, Christopher, Johan Adam Jr., Martin, and perhaps for a time, Johan George—left Lancaster County and came to Harrisburg. The earliest record of them in the city is a mention of the Adam Hocker tavern in the 1787 tax records.

The brothers engaged in business with each other—Adam and Christopher likely operating the tavern together as they were taxed together in 1791 and 1793.1 John and Martin purchased land together in Lower Paxton Township in 1796.2

By 1796, John had moved to East Pennsborough Township, Cumberland County. He and his wife Catharina Scholl purchased 50 acres of land there on 13 Jun 1796.3 They sold one of their lots in Harrisburg purchased also in 1796.4

In May 1801, John and Catharine sold the 50 acres they’d purchased from Andrew Lee.5 By 10 Feb 1802, John Hocker was dead.6 He was 44 years old.

John died intestate—without a will. Here are transcriptions for the settling of his estate.

Letters of Administration

John Hocker, deceased~
Be it Remembered that on the 10th day of February A.D. 1802 Letters of Administration Issued in Common Form to Jacob Miller of East Pennsborough and George Coover of Allen Township, all and singular the Goods and Chattles rights and credits which were which were of John Hocker deceased. Inventory and Accounts to be Exhibited into the Registers Office in the Borough of Carlisle in time appointed by Law~
Witness my hand George Kline, Register7

Petition to Sell Land

Came into Court Jacob Miller and George Coover Administrators of the Estate of John Hocker late of East Pennsbro [sic] Township deceased and passed a petition to the Court setting forth that the personal estate of the said deceased amounting to the sum of five hundred and eighty two pounds nineteen shillings and six pence hath been sold be the petitioners That by the terms of the sale the money was not yet due or payable That there had come to the knowledge of the petitioners debts due by the Intestate to the amount of three thousand two hundred and thirty four pounds and upwards There was no fund in the hands of the petitioners from which the said debts could be paid or the minor children supported other than the amount arising from the sale of the personal estate above stated That the intestate died seized of a plantation containing one hundred and eighty one and one half acres situate in East Pennsbro [sic] & Allen Townships The petitioners therefore prayed the Court to make an order that they might sell the whole of the said tract of Land or such part of it as the Court may think necessary for raising a fund to pay the Debts of Intestate and to support the three minor children of the said deceased.

Whereupon it is considered by the Court and ordered that the said Jacob Miller and George Cover Administrators aforesaid make public sale of the tract of land aforesaid on Tuesday the fifth day of October next between the hours of twelve [ink spot] and four o’Clock in the afternoon of that day on the premises and by six written notices to be made our on good paper and delivered to the Sheriff or Constable to be fixed up in the most public places of the County at least ten days before the day of the said sale and that the said Administrators make return of their proceedings to the next stated Orphans Court.

~ By the Court8

Administration Account

Came into Court Jacob Miller and George Koover administrators of all singular the goods & chattles [sic] rights & credits of John Hocker deceased & produced an account of the Administration The Court upon consideration having adjusted & passed the same find a balance of nine hundred & fifty six pounds and eight pence in the hands of the administrators subject to distribution according to law see page 186.

~By the Court9

Revised Administration Account

Came into Court Jacob Miller and George Koover Administrators of all and singular the goods and chattles [sic] rights and credits which were of John Hocker late of the township of East Pennsborough township deceased and produced as supplemental Administration account of the Estate of the said deceased The Court having adjusted and passed the same find a balance of one hundred and ninety two pounds and four shillings in the hands of the Administrators subject to distribution according to Law.

~By the Court10

Guardianship Petitions

Came to the Court Mary Hocker minor above the age of fourteen years Orphan daughter of John Hocker deceased and prayed to the Court to appoint Christopher Eigelberger Guardian over her person and estate. The Court upon consideration appoint the said Christopher Eigleberger Guardian over the person and estate of the said Mary Hocker minor Orphan Daughter of the said John Hocker deceased during her minority or until another Guardian or Guardians be appointed in his Room

~By the Court

Came to the Court Catharine Hocker mother & next friend of Elizabeth Hocker and Sally Hocker minors under the age of fourteen years Orphan Children of John Hocker deceased and prayed the Court appoint a proper person Guardian over the persons and estates of the said Elizabeth Hocker and Sally Hocker minor Orphan Children of the said John Hocker deceased. Whereupon the Court appointed John Rupley Guardian over the persons & estates of the said minors during their minority or until another Guardian or Guardians be appointed in his Room

~By the Court11

Johannes and Eva Catharina (Scholl) Hocker had three daughters:

  1. Mary Hocker was born sometime between 1786 and 1790 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died sometime after 1804. No more is known about her.
  2. Elizabeth Hocker was born circa 1787 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania and died 31 Mar 1861 in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. On 25 Dec 1812, she married Samuel Eberly in Zion Lutheran Church in Harrisburg. He was born in 1788 and died 15 Aug 1846 in Mechanicsburg. The couple was buried in Trindle Springs Lutheran Church cemetery.
  3. Sarah “Sally” Hocker was born 6 Dec 1793 in either Harrisburg or Cumberland County and baptized in Salem Lutheran Church in Harrisburg. On 12 Dec 1816, she married Peter Eberly in Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Holly Springs, Cumberland County. Peter was born 15 Jun 1795 and died 10 Mar 1866 in Mechanicsburg. The couple was buried in Trindle Springs Lutheran Church cemetery.